PSAL. CXXXIX, 9, 10, If I take the wings of the morning, or dwell in the PSAL. CIV. 34, Of him my meditation shall be sweet. HARTFORD: S. ANDRUS AND SON. THE volume entitled "SOLITUDE SWEETENED; or, MisCELLANEOUS MEDITATIONS," by JAMES MEIKLE, is a work which cannot fail to give much pleasure to the pious mind. The author discovers a very happy talent in deducing from the phenomena of nature, and from the ordinary occurrences of life, much religious instruction, which he conveys in an animated and pleasing style. We should be glad to see an American edition of this work, and are persuaded, that if its worth were known, such an edition would meet with general encouragement. New-York, December 18, 1809. GENTLEMEN SAMUEL MILLER, Cincinnati, April 5, 1832. We are much gratified to learn that you design republishing the excellent work entitled "Solitude Sweetened," by JAMES MEIKLE. We consider this a book of uncommon interest and excellence. The warm spirit of living devotion which breathes through it cannot fail to please and profit the christian who will give it an attentive perusal. JAMES GALLAHER, Pastor 3d Ch. Cincinnati. do. THOMAS BRAINERD, Pastor 4th Ch. do. JOHN THOMSON, WM. G. GALLAHER, A. T. RANKIN, ELIJAH SLACK, Messrs. Roff & Young. "MEIKLE'S SOLITUDE SWEETENED," would now need no recommendation in the atlantic states. It has been long known and highly approved by the pious there; and I doubt not the western reader will coincide in this favourable judgment. 3 (4) The sentiments of the work are evangelical throughout; and these are presented in a way so experimental and practical as must commend the character of the author to all true christians of every name. His improvements of the ordinary circumstances of life, and of those situations in which the be-liever must not unfrequently find himself placed, are generally very happy, and always edifying. The style of the work is clear, simple, and, for the most part correct. Messrs. Roff & Young. B. P. AYDELOTT, Pastor Christ Church, Cincinnati. Cincinnati, March 30, 1832. I am gratified to learn that you are about to republish the "Solitude Sweetened" of Mr. JAMES MEIKLE. Of his valuable writings, this is decidedly the best. His Meditations are short, frequently original, and always evangelical. A holy unction pervades his thoughts; and the christian, while reading, finds his faith encouraged, and his affections elevated. I have derived more spiritual benefit from this author, than from any other not inspired, and therefore, with confidence, recommend it to the friends of Zion. Wishing you a liberal patronage, I remain, yours, respectfully, S. W. LYND PREFACE. The Meditations now offered to the Public appear in consequence of the very favourable manner in which the Author's "SELCT REMAINS" were received. They are written in the same style, and breathe the same spirit of ardent piety with the REMAINS; but they embrace a greater variety of subjects, are in general composed with greater care, and will, the Editor is persuaded, be found entitled to an equal, if not a superior degree of acceptance. The greater part of them were written in the years 1757-1760, in the most unfavourable circumstances which can easily be conceived for study of any kind, and especially for religious meditation; not, like the "Monthly Memorial," and the "Secret Survey," amidst the quiet and comforts of home, in the retirement of the country, and during the intervals of leisure from the regular duties of his profession; but at sea, amidst the noise, and bustle, and confusion of a man of war. A book written during hostilities, on board a ship of war, may be considered as a literary curiosity; but this is perhaps the first book of devotion ever composed in such circumstances. It may justly excite surprise, how the good man could find opportunity, or command composure of mind, in the cock-pit of the Portland, for writing not only the greater part of the present volume, but another series of Meditations, entitled, The Traveller; and it must be particularly pleasing to pious minds, |